Augustin Kouassi is an Ivorian musician who's apparently been around the block a few times. Discogs lists a couple of LPs by his band, Les Messagers de la Paix, apparently from the '80s. Other than that, I can't say much more about him and the group. How many times have I had to say that here?
I got today's offering by them way back when it first came out, along with a raft of other cassettes from Ivory Coast, and didn't pay much attention to it then. Man, was I missing out! Mambo Attoh Théophane (Carine Musique CAR 01, 1993) is one of the most addictive recordings I've heard in a long time. Everything about it is first-rate, from Gaiten Kouao's exquiste guitar work to the outstanding vocals (different members take turns singing lead, and the chorus is tight). Of course, Congo music is an influence, and the vocals have that sweet-and-sour quality you hear in West African music from Ghana to the Niger Delta. I'm tempted to label it "Soukous-Highlife," but that just doesn't do it justice. Let the music speak for itself!
Augustin Kouassi & Les Messagers - Mambo Attoh Théophane
Augustin Kouassi & Les Messagers - Kêgbè Piemin
Augustin Kouassi & Les Messagers - Yié Koubê
Augustin Kouassi & Les Messagers - Boto Sopie
Augustin Kouassi & Les Messagers - Adja Ayo
Augustin Kouassi & Les Messagers - N'Douci Carrefour
Download Mambo Attoh Théophane as a zipped file here.
